Buttermilk Falls
New York • 128 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a 128-foot ribbon cascade on Little Trout Brook in the Town of Chesterfield, Essex County, where the brook is squeezed between ledges southeast of Keeseville. The falls are on private property reached by a moderately difficult 0.75-mile dirt trail from a driveway on Highland Road across from Port Douglas Cemetery; visitors are asked to check in at the owners' house before hiking.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 604 feet along the Boquet River, in the foothills of New York. At 128 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 128 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Gorge Trail (out-and-back) — Length: ~1.5 miles round trip; Elevation gain: ~500 ft; Difficulty: Moderate. Surface and character: a mix of carved stone steps, packed dirt, and exposed roots with some short, steep pitches; footing can be uneven and slippery near water. The route follows the creek through the gorge to multiple viewpoints of the 165-foot main cascade; hikers looking for a loop can connect with the Rim Trail. Expect moderate grades on the descent/ascent and short stair-like sections rather than sustained technical climbing.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 128 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. The trail may be icy in winter, so caution is advised.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas.
Current Water Conditions
49 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 82 years of record
2.22 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BOQUET RIVER AT WILLSBORO NY (12 km away).
Today
Low
53 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
54 cfs
5/10Wed
Low
58 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
58 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
64 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
61 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
62 cfs
4/10Best window: Wed — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Keeseville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 121 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The listed height of 128 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 605 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 122 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 605 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 121 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located in Buttermilk Falls State Park, just south of Ithaca, New York. The main entrance is off Route 13, and the falls are easily accessible from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the base of the falls, with ample space during most times of the year. Parking may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
604 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.466160° N, -73.436800° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and be prepared for some steep sections.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 1.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Green Mountain Suites Hotel
Stunning South Hero Home on Lake Champlain w/ View
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Burlington Williston
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and the city of Ithaca with its vibrant downtown and Cornell University.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the creek.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
CC
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ft -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ft -
03
Cohoes
15 ft -
04
East Worcester
104 ftCurrent flow 10 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 2,070 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 2,070 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 55 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 13 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
10
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 27 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
25 ftCurrent flow 178 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 16 ft³/s
Writing about Buttermilk Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.